OBIT: W. Alphus DIEHL, 1886, Blair County, PA

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Two Men Killed.

Andrew Sutton and W. A. Diehl, aged 28 and 25 years respectively, were
killed on the Pennsylvania railroad on Saturday night near Lilly's
station.  The bodies were found about 3 o'clock a. m.  The body of
Sutton was found half a mile east of the station and the body of Diehl
seven-eighths of a mile east.  They were last seen about 8.30 o'clock
going east on a freight and it is supposed they were killed by a west
bound engine when they were getting off.  Diehl's body was cut to
pieces portions of it being found for half a mile along the track.
Both were unmarried and were industrious men.  They worked for D. K.
Wilhelm in a saw mill at Ben's Creek.

Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Thursday, August 26, 1886, page 3


PUZZLETOWN DOINGS.

In all our recollection death has not come into our neighborhood as it
did Saturday last.  Mr. Alphus Diehl, in company with four other
fellow workmen, while in the act of jumping from a freight car near
Portage, was thrown under the cruel wheels and ground into a mass.
The only piece that could be found whole was his foot.  The remains
were coffined and sent to his home a few miles from here.  The writer
was well acquainted with the deceased, who was a true man in every
way.  He was aged 21 years.  Little did he think the good-bye he gave
his parents, sisters and brothers would be the last.  The parting was
said, but the meeting was one beyond description.  What a consolation
if he could only have been recognized by his family, but his face
could not be seen.  This family have the deep sympathy of the entire
community.  May the taking of their beloved son and brother away so
suddenly bring them all closer to that home on high.

Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Thursday, August 26, 1886, page 4

Hemlock Items.

A terrible accident occurred here on Friday night of last week by
which two young men named Andrew Sutton and Adolphus Diehl lost their
lives.  These two young men had been to Summerhill and returning on
freight about 9 o'clock P. M. in some manner, just how will doubtless
remain a mystery, were thrown under the wheels and shockingly
mutilated.  Their bodies were not found until 2:30 Saturday morning.
The body of Sutton was severed in the middle and both arms were cut
off; also the top of his head was crushed, while Diehl's body was
simply a ground up mass gathered up with shovels in which a hand and
foot were the largest pieces.  Both men were in the employ of D. K.
Wilhelm at his saw mill on Ben's creek, and were steady, industrious
young men.  The remains of Sutton were interred in the Catholic
cemetery here on Sunday after an appropriate sermon by Rev. Father
Browne.  His funeral, which was attended by the Knights of Labor, was
one of the largest ever seen here.  Diehl's remains were interred in
the cemetery near his home, which is near Butlersville,* Blair county.
Both were unmarried and aged about 24 years.

Cambria Freeman, Ebensburg, Pa., Friday, August 27, 1886, page 3

*Same as Blue Knob post office.

1880 United States Federal Census
Name: Alphus Deihl
Age: 16
Birth Date: Abt 1864
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Home in 1880: Juniata, Blair , Pennsylvania, USA
Dwelling Number: 6
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Son
Father's name: Emanuel Deihl
Father's Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Mother's name: Fanny Deihl
Mother's Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Occupation: Laborer
Attended School: Yes
Emanuel Deihl 42
Fanny Deihl 33
Alphus Deihl 16
Rass Deihl 8
Emma Deihl 14
Levi Deihl 4
Dalena Deihl 1

1870 United States Federal Census
Name: William Diehl
Age in 1870: 6
Birth Year: abt 1864
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Dwelling Number: 80
Home in 1870: Juniata, Blair, Pennsylvania
Race: White
Gender: Male
Post Office: Hollidaysburg
Occupation: At Home
Attended School: Y
Emanuel Diehl 32
Fanny Diehl 23
William Diehl 6
Emma Diehl 4